About Us

History
Renaissance on 9th officially opened to the public in May of 2008. Initially planned to be a community center for active adults over 50, it evolved in to so much more. Today it features the Turner Ballroom, The 9th Street Bistro, and Generations Gift Shop - filling a need in the community for a centralized events venue, gathering place and activity center in Manatee County. The facility serves both the public and its senior membership.

Previously the site of a large supermarket, then a commercial print shop, Renaissance on 9th renovated the site to the contemporary building you see today. Warm, elegant, and beautifully decorated, Renaissance on 9th is now the site of the Sarasota/Bradenton area’s premier event and catering venue and is still the place to be for active adults over 50.

Renaissance on 9th is owned and operated by Meals on Wheels PLUS of Manatee , as part of the "PLUS."

All proceeds from Renaissance on 9th are used to fund Meals on Wheels PLUS programs and services, including The Food Bank of Manatee.

About Meals on Wheels PLUS
The mission of Meals on Wheels PLUS of Manatee, Inc. is to assist individuals to live independently by providing nutrition and caring supportive services.

In 1972, Meals on Wheels of Manatee, Inc. was founded with the purpose of providing hot, nutritious noontime meals to elderly and disabled residents of Manatee County. June 2010 marked 9 Million Meals Served. Over the years Meals on Wheels PLUS has responded to community needs by offering additional programs and services to support seniors and their families. The organization is now the primary provider of nutrition and senior care services throughout Manatee County. For more information, visit www.mealsonwheelsplus.org.

Meet our staff:

David Meador, Executive Chef
dmeador@renaissanceon9th.org

Chef Dave Chef David Meador is a 20-year veteran of the food and beverage industry, bringing a wealth of experience to Renaissance on 9th. His culinary creativity and expertise are showcased in Renaissance on 9th catering and in offerings at the 9th Street Bistro. Chef Dave graduated at the top of his class, earning a Culinary Arts degree at Johnson & Wales University in Providence, Rhode Island. He served most recently as the Executive Chef for 400 Beach Seafood and Tap House in St. Petersburg, and Columbia Restaurant Group in Tampa, Florida. He also spent several years with Noble House Hotels and Resorts as Executive Chef in Coral Gables, Florida; The Gatehouse Restaurant and Catering Company in Providence, Rhode Island; and The Blue Moon Hotel in Miami Beach, Florida, for the Merv Griffin Corporation. As a Bradenton native, Chef Dave is excited to be close home again and showcase his culinary skills as Executive Chef at Renaissance on 9th.

Judi Bjork, Catering & Special Events Coordinator
catering-rental@renaissanceon9th.org

Judy Originally from Nyack, NY, Judi relocated to Bradenton, FL in 2002. Her experience in the restaurant and catering industry began at age 15, and she has perfected her skills through the years. From 1985 - 1992 she co-owned and operated Party Tenders, a catering and wait staff service that allowed clients to be guests at their own parties. Judi uses that same philosophy in her role at Renaissance on 9th, as she assists clients with the advanced planning necessary to relieve them from any worries on the event day. “My goal as Catering and Event Coordinator at Renaissance on 9th is to offer excellent service and individual attention to our clients, so that the event is everything they wished for,” Judi says.

Whether a client is planning for that dream-come-true wedding experience, organizing a business conference, or holding a non-profit fundraiser, Judi and her staff will provide top notch service.